www.CHALDEAN.org allows registered community members to post digital photos of their events. To learn how you can share photos of an event please e-mail info@chaldean.org for instructions. Share your experiences with the community. Were you at a wedding party, church or school event, award ceremony or have a portfolio of Chaldean related photos you would like the community to experience? E-mail the official Chaldean community website!

Michigan, USA – The Chaldean community welcomes their newest Catholic priest, Fr. Rudy Zoma, 28, of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. On Saturday, July 4th, Chaldeans from all over joined the ordination Mass of the new priest. Guests, seminarians, and visiting clergy from across the globe participated in the celebration.

Fr. Rudy is the third American Chaldean priest with five other American born seminarians to soon graduate and join the prestigious rank of priestly vocation among Chaldeans.

“Fr. Rudy is an incredible person,” says Britney Allos. “He really is involved with the younger generation and is a great speaker. He can be serious and he can be funny.” Fr. Rudy Zoma helped establish an English youth bible study at Mother of God Parish and was instrumental in helping the Chaldean parish soccer team repeatedly win the indoor Catholic College classic championship over Ave Maria, St. Mary MTS, and the other college teams. “The amount of guests who arrived to his ordination celebration is a testament to his leadership and community support,” said Anthony Sako, parishioner of Mother of God parish.

Michigan, USA – Over 300 Chaldean athletes head to the grassy fields and sandy pits as the Chaldean Church Sports League of Michigan Tri-Sport season gets underway. In the high school flag football division returning champs St. Thomas Twin Tigers hope to repeat. However, St. Joseph Protectors new all-star draft picks round out their passing and defensive game which may pose a challenge for the Twin Tigers.

In the ladies high school volleyball, defending champions Mother of God Guardian Angels look to take on St. Thomas once more in the championship finals. Both teams had such a large turn-out that they fielded two teams for competition.

In high school soccer, Mar Addai Healers remain undefeated. Hoping to best Mar Addai’s powerful team, St. George and St. Joseph combined their teams as did Mother of God and St. Thomas. Nonetheless, Mar Addai remains undefeated and is considered the early favorite to take the high school soccer championship finals.

[To see photos and video highlights of the CCSL, you must be a registered user of www.CHALDEAN.org and you must login]

Michigan, USA – Chaldeans don’t always have much time to spare. Long hours at work, family and cultural responsibilities, and trying to make ends meet leaves many Chaldeans hungry for safe and entertaining events for the entire family.

The Chaldean churches have had a long tradition in hosting family gatherings. The opportunity brings respectful families together in faith and fellowship and helps raise funds to keep the church ministry strong.

The events are always a community affair organized and managed by church volunteers and supported by community donors. Although increasing competition of commercial festivals and state fairs targeting Chaldeans are on the rise, Chaldean church hosted events remain the number one place for Chaldean families.

[To view the photos and video of the 2008 St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church Festival please log-in]

Michigan, USA - It is no coincidence that nearly 1,000 fathers had to lose their life 100 years ago for the right message to be heard. That message is that we love our fathers, but how and why did they lose their lives. Most of those that died were Italian immigrants, writes Fr. Eugene Francis Briggs (1908-2006), a Catholic priest and a Fitchburg native who dedicated much of his life to the study of the Monongah disaster. A tragedy by any standards, whereby on December 6, 1907, there was a mining disaster at the Consolidated Coal Company in Monongah, West Virgina that claimed their lives. It is still considered the worst mining disaster ever.

In the spirit of those fathers that the First Father’s Day was born of the father’s role of provider and the risk he takes as a laborer throughout the country, being a primary wage earner. “The same holds true to for our Chaldean fathers,” says Tom Issa, a father of three. “Our Chaldean fathers literally climbed mountains and crossed oceans to provide and protect their family.”

Issa adds that Chaldean fathers continue to take incredible risks providing for their families. “They work very long hours in some of the most horrible conditions, trapped in bullet proof and risking their lives. It is good that we acknowledge, celebrate, and honor their sacrifice to our family and community.” Issa speaks of the inaugural “Honor Thy Father” dinner hosted by Mother of God Church in Southfield, Michigan. The dinner brought over 400 Chaldeans out for a night of dinner, entertainment, and applause for Chaldean fathers.

{Must be a registered member of www.chaldean.org to view the photos of the 2008 Mother / Daughter Fashion Show Gala}

Michigan, USA - Mother’s Day began as a day to unite parents to improve the world for future generations. The bond between mother and daughter is especially strong in the Chaldean community. Chaldean mother and daughters are finding a very unique blend of mother-daughter moments.

“I love mother’s day.” Says Athra Yakoo, a mother of three Chaldean young ladies and two teenage girls. “I am so blessed with my daughters. They are educated, respectful, and religious. They give our family a very good reputation and make us very happy.”

The challenges Chaldean families face in Europe and America remain a top priority for Chaldean churches. Chaldean churches have focused on offering compelling sermons, lectures, and community wide events to strengthen and warn Chaldean families of growing cultural dangers in their host countries tearing at the family. Joining the call is the Ladies Social Group of Our Lady of Chaldean Cathedral, Mother of God Church in Southfield, Michigan. The group hosts an annual dinner to celebrate the loving bond between mother and daughter as well as organizes prayer breakfasts and outings for mothers and their daughters.

This year the group held their 2008 Mother / Daughter Fashion Show Gala bringing nearly 700 women together to celebrate the importance of motherhood. The feature rich event included dinner, three fashion shows, live entertainment, a crowd of vendors, silent auction, raffle prizes, and gifts.

{Must be a registered member of www.chaldean.org to view the photos of the 2008 Mother / Daughter Fashion Show Gala}

Michigan, USA – The Camp Chaldean open house brought thousands of community members out into the fresh October air. Some Chaldeans traveled for three hours to join the tour and share in the celebration of new of the community campground.

“We worked very hard to get the property ready for the camp open house,” says Adil Kallabat, Camp Chaldean president. “We had crews working around the clock for nearly a month making repairs, cleaning, landscaping, and decorating the buildings.”

Chaldean diocese volunteers came together to offer community tours of the camp property and answer any of their questions. Nearly ten bus loads of people left from church parking lots to the campground.

(Must be a registered member of www.CHALDEAN.org to view the photo albums. Registration is free and begins by selecting the register link in the upper right-hand corner.)

Michigan, USA - Chaldean community leaders held a private dinner for neighbors and city leaders of Genoa Township. The recent purchase of Camp Chaldean in Genoa Township, Michigan gave rise to the dinner celebration.

“Chaldeans are well known for their hospitality. We enjoyed meeting our new neighbors and breaking bread with them,” said camp spokesperson Robert Kakos. “We were delighted to have such a wonderful turnout. Our families prayed together, ate together, and celebrated our community fellowship.”

Camp neighbors and Genoa Township city leaders made the time to welcome the Chaldean community and join the dinner gathering. “It was wonderful to receive the invitation,” said Genoa Township Clerk Paulette Skolarus.

Michigan, USA- The future is not lost on church leaders who have long cared for the welfare of the Chaldean community. A balancing act in America that is difficult. Chaldeans growing up in America have many more distractions and sinful options. With great freedom comes great responsibility.

Chaldean clergy have dedicated their entire lives to the community. No evidence is clearer than having to give up your right to be a mom or dad and focus only on serving the community. That is the special calling a priest or nun answers. Answering that call comes with the responsibility to care for the soul of the living today and prepare the youth of tomorrow.

In making that call the Chaldean Diocese made a bold move in purchasing a Chaldean camp for the benefit of the community. One hundred sixty acres of rolling hills and lake, the Chaldean Diocese makes clear their commitment to serving the community for centuries.

Michigan, USA - Over 10,000 Chaldeans visited the two day summer Chaldean music festival. The event was hosted by Mother of God Chaldean Church of Southfield, Michigan, and featured some of the community’s top singers and bands. “This was the best festival I have been to all year,” said James Hakim of Sterling Heights. “They had everything. Games for kids, dancing, great music, excellent food and snacks, everyone was so helpful and nice.”

Hakim’s sentiments were widely shared as nearly 10,000 Chaldeans enjoyed the fair weathered weekend. Opening Saturday, the sun sat hidden behind some gloomy clouds at first. However, D.J. Imad Koki kept spirits high and coaxed the sun out with his excellent mix and play of traditional Chaldean songs. By mid afternoon the sun shined brightly and the crowds began to merge. The enticing harmonies combined to transform Mother of God Chaldean church’s campus into the old time village celebrations Chaldeans long remembered.

[This article features five photo albums and an event program PDF download. Visitors must be registered members of the site to access the additional resources.]

Southfield, MICHIGAN - The Chaldean Church Sports League ended their summer season with electrifying excitement. After the playoff games the best church teams in girls’ volleyball and boys flag football faced one another. In the girls’ volleyball division, the Mother of God Guardian Angels played the St. Thomas Twin Tigers. In the boys flag football division the St. Joseph Protectors took on the St. Thomas Twin Tigers.

The championship volleyball game began first. Both Mother of God and St. Thomas entered the sand court with stern determination. Each team brought with them a cheering squad in the hundreds.

Michigan, USA - Picture perfect weather in the mid 80’s with a rolling cool breeze excited organizers as they waved cars into the fair ground. Nearly five thousand Chaldeans gathered at the Knights of Columbus family picnic grounds for the St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church 2007 annual family festival. The attendance was much better than the last year and continues to grow at an exceptional rate as more and more families recognize the importance of their Chaldean church and community.

The picnic was organized in appreciation and for the importance of faithful Chaldean families for their support and guidance. Families enjoyed a sparkling day as St. Joseph church members, well-wishers, and their friends celebrated one another’s company.

[To view the photos of this event you must be a registered member. To register select the register link in the upper right hand corner.]

Michgian, USA - The southeast Michigan Chaldean Church Sports League prepares for their playoff games this Saturday, July 21, 2007. The Chaldean Eparchy (Diocese) of Eastern United States has narrowed the four top performing church teams in the 18 and under category of girl’s volleyball and boy’s flag football.

In the heart of Southeastern Michigan at the Southfield Municipal Civic and Sports Center hundreds and hundreds of Chaldeans gather to play, pray, and show their support. The Chaldean church teams have been competing weekly for nearly two months. Based on their win-loss record and total game point earnings the top four church teams qualified for the League playoff games.

The CCSL is attracting a high level of talent and producing great competition. The league features some of the best athletes in the Chaldean community as all-American high school athletes lead their respective church to victory on the field and on the sand court.

[To view the photos of this event you must be a registered member. To register select the register link in the upper right hand corner.]

Michigan, USA - A peace rally organized by Chaldean community leaders adds to the growing discontent and lack of confidence in America’s effort to stabilize Iraq. Chaldeans gather in the heart of Southfield, Michigan to demonstrate their frustration. The large and influential Chaldean population in southeast Michigan says enough is enough.

The Chaldeans are all too familiar with the pains of persecution at the hands of fanatical Muslims. The continual attacks against the peaceful Catholic sect have echoed across the ocean as Chaldean family members receive word of abductions, torture, rape, and killings. Many voiced their concerns and shared their bewilderment at how poorly managed the war has been thus far.

(You must be a registered member to view the photos of this event. To register on www.CHALDEAN.org select the 'Register' link in the upper right-hand corner of the web page.)

Michigan, USA - Chaldean agility, strength, speed, and finesse are showcased weekly in Southfield, Michigan. A fifty-yard dash, a sand dive, a spike, ace, dig, and a “Hail Mary” touchdown pass are par for Chaldeans that meet and compete in the 2007 Chaldean Church Sports League.

No helmets. No shoulder pads. No problem. The Chaldean churches newest youth football league requires hardly any of the standard equipment associated with the sport. A pair of shorts and a league-furnished jersey, along with a desire to have fun are about the only things needed to participate in the Chaldean Church Sports flag football league.

Over 100 Chaldeans from southeast Michigan get the opportunity to play each other throughout the day at the Southfield Civic Center. The Chaldean Church Sports League features flag-football field and volleyball for Chaldean youth, eighteen years and younger. The volleyball sand courts and flag football field come alive every Saturday from noon until 3 p.m. with spirited sports competition, prayer, and camaraderie.

Michigan, USA - If you were to ask St. Joseph Chaldean Church in Troy, Michigan what is the most valuable thing in our life, besides God, that we take for granted – what would they answer? The answer – our parents; next to our savior, our parents are the ones we sinfully take for granted most often.

St. Joseph, along with many of the other Chaldean churches, held special Mother’s Day celebrations in hopes of strengthening the family bonds. Delicious food, great music, family and friends, wholesome fun, and prayer brought nearly 300 Chaldeans together to honor our mothers.

Michigan, USA - Tickets sold out in less than a few days to the highly anticipated event. Over 300 Chaldean women gathered at Mother of God Chaldean Church Hall in Southfield, Michigan for the 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Fashion Show Dinner. The event was held on Friday, May 4, 2007 and began at 6 p.m. in the evening. The event organized by the Our Chaldean Ladies Social group of the Chaldean church holds a number of special activities targeting Chaldean women.

The annual fashion show event helps to raise funds to help Chaldean causes around the world and all proceeds of the event go directly to the Chaldean community. The highlights of the evening were two incredible fashion shows and the ability to receive or win gifts totaling close to $10,000. However, winning rave review was the “Pure of Heart - ‘To be Admired not Desired’ Fashion Show,” hosted by fashion stylist Patrice Konja and produced by Remon Jiddou. The performance sponsored Nahla's Place, This is Me, and Platinum Salon, of Birmingham, Michigan.

(Access to all photos of the event are included for registered members of the community website)

Michigan, USA - Mother of God Church holds an annual Christmas dinner for church parishioners and the Chaldean community. The event serves 300 people and includes hour devours, appetizers, dinner, drinks, dessert, live band, guest speakers, photos, video, and gift giving. The featured band included one of the communities very best – Raad Kizy & The Spring Band (http://www.raadkizy.com/).

Photos of the event along with the complimentary family photos are included in this article. As a community, we congratulate the following couples who are celebrating their 25th and 50th wedding anniversary jubilee and hope you enjoyed the event and photos.

Chaldeans from southeast Michigan, USA gather to enjoy a fun filled costume party hosted by the St. Thomas Chaldean Eparchy Friday Friends group. The costume party featured dinner, soft-drinks, contests, dancing, and the one of the Chaldean communities top DJs - DJ Byron.

The event was open to adult Chaldeans involved in the eparchy churches throughout Michigan. The goal of Friday Friends is to hold social events that are fun, safe, and reputable for like-minded young adults of the Chaldean community to strengthen Chaldean history, heritage, and faith.

St. Peter Eparchy, based in California, USA holds there annual Youth Convention bringing all the Chaldean churches in California together. The annual event brings hundreds of Chaldean youth community leaders together to share ideas, discuss best practices, collaborate, and review achievements.

Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church hosts a special mother/daughter fashion show dinner in honor of Chaldean mothers in our community. The event produced by the Our Ladies Social Group of the Chaldean church raised over $10,000 in gifts, auction items, and prizes to give to mothers and their daughters.

Chaldean Teens Coming Together (CT-Squared) is one of the most active Mother of God Chaldean Catholic church youth groups in Michigan. CT-Squared frequently provides community activities and events to Chaldeans in Michigan. This photo album captures CT-Squared’s enthusiasm as they provide parishioners a breakfast buffet in the church hall. The hot breakfast was offered free to all parishioners.

CT-Squared is open to all Chaldean Catholic parishioners in southeast Michigan. The group meets weekly at Mother of God Church to discuss teen related issues and practical solutions.

The English Christmas Play of 2005 at the Chaldean Cathedral in Michigan is an impressive display of faith, community support, and community leadership. The Christmas play is widely attended with thousands of guests from southeast Michigan attending. The play is performed by pre-teen and teenagers from the area. The performance is conducted twice due to the overwhelming number of attendees and received positively by the community.

Chaldean Teens Coming Together frequently organizes teen team building field trips for Chaldeans in Michigan. This photo album captures CT-Squared members as they enjoy a team-building outing that exercises their new skills in cooperation and team work. The laser tag outing included dinner, games, discussion, and plenty of opportunities for group camaraderie.

CT-Squared is open to all Chaldean Catholic teenage parishioners in southeast Michigan. The over one hundred member group is led by professionals. CT-Squared meets weekly at Mother of God Church in Southfield, Michigan to discuss teen related issues and practical solutions. The group is known for active workshops and community service. To learn more about CT-Squared please contact Mother of God Church.

The Chaldean Federation of America (CFA) organizes and leads a wonderful graduation ceremony each year for Chaldeans in America. The event brings high school and higher education graduates together in joyous celebration of achieving an important milestone. For over twenty years the CFA has brought together Chaldean families to celebrate the achievement of their son or daughter graduating from school. The CFA works miracles to secure tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship opportunities for Chaldean graduates.

With nearly a half a million dollars given in scholarship money to Chaldean students, the CFA has helped lesson the financial burden of many Chaldean engineers, lawyers, doctors, educators, and other professionals.

Mother of God Church holds special family building events and activities for Chaldean families in southeast Michigan. The Family Fun Friday group of Mother of God Church holds monthly family gatherings that include dinner, games, and organized family activities.